Everyone travels differently, and I mean everyone. I have a style of traveling that would be so unappealing to some, but it’s so perfect for me. Here’s a few of the things I will not do on vacation!
- Sit on my butt the entire time. I really prefer adventurous vacations, so this one is a biggie for me. I LOVE venturing out in a new area and exploring. Get off your tush and do something!
- Pout/argue/fight- I had to learn this one the hard way. One of the first big family vacations, where my sister was old enough to
talk backhave input on, was to Mexico a few years ago, I flew off the handles because we were late getting back from an excursion, which made us late to dinner. It was such a dumb thing to do, and I totally regret it. From there on out, I swore I’d never pout or initiate a fight on a vacation again. - Take pictures of every little thing. I understand snapping pics of the memorable things you’re doing, but sometimes, it’s better to actually see things with your eyes rather than through the lens of your camera.
- Over share on social media. This one goes hand in hand with seeing things with your eyes. One picture a day is awesome! I’m sure your family is wondering what you’re doing while you’re away, but anything more than that makes it seem like you’re bragging, or just being plane obnoxious. While I usually share my vacation stories on my blog, I would NEVER chronicle my day to day happenings on vacation- I don’t want my head buried in my phone, I want to be enjoying my awesome vacation!
- Leave my clothes in my suitcase/travel bag. Would you leave your clothes in the bag from the store until it was time to wear them? Heck no. I always pack a few extra hangers just incase where I’m staying doesn’t have enough. It’s so much easier to have all of your wardrobe hung up and readily available for you.
- Stay in a hotel. I will NOT stay in a hotel ever again when traveling in the US. Hotels are overpriced, and way overrated. I always try to stay through AirBnB, where you rent a home (or a room) from an individual. You have all the amenities of being at home, while being away from home. We have used AirBnB almost 10 times and loved every where we have ever stayed. If you wanna check it out, use my link and get a discount on your first booking
- Have no plan what so ever. Winging it is okay sometimes, but having no such structure whatsoever leaves you vulnerable. I enjoy having a plan because with at least a tentative plan, I am able to set out my must see places, know my budget and optimize my time!
- On the flip side, don’t overbook. Booking excursions or reservations ahead of time is a great idea, but if you overbook, you’re going to be overworking and stressing yourself out to get every little thing in.
- Book something I’m unsure of. It’s like shopping, if I don’t LOVE IT in the store (or on the website or brochure) I won’t buy it. If I’m not 100% sure about a place to stay, something to do, or somewhere to eat, I’ll just shop around more, until I know exactly what I want.
- Eat at chain restaurants! This is the biggest one for me. Why in the world would ANYONE want to eat something they could have at home? Aren’t vacations about new adventures and new things? Trying out new restaurants is one of my favorite things to do! Step out of your comfort zone and try something totally new!
What are some of the things you just refuse to do on your vacations?
30 comments
#10 is a huge one for me. When I went on my road trip we never stopped at a chain unless it was fast food during a drive/we were trying to make it to a forest by dark to set up camp. Trying local food favorites was SO fun! We stopped in a really, REALLY tiny town – think less than 100 people – in Colorado and I tried what ended up being the best French Dip I've ever had. Travel is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, and I think trying different foods is the first step!
http://thealwaysblog.com
That is EXACTLY how I feel. Unless we're trying to speed up a drive, or something along those lines, I'm 100% local when traveling!
I definitely agree on #1! I hate just sitting around and doing nothing when there is so much to explore.
Mikayla | A Seersucker State of Mind.
I agree 100% with number 10. No point in eating at places you can eat at all the time.
It's pointless.
xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys
I've heard about AirBnB mentioned in #6, but have always been wary of it for some reason. Have you ever run into any issues?
I SO agree with your point about chain restaurants (although I will cave and head to a Starbucks once in awhile). I also try not to spend too much time on vacation blogging or documenting everything on social media. Of course I like to maintain a presence online but I strive to focus on enjoying the moment in my new surroundings.
I am addicted to airbnb, can't imagine ever staying in another hotel! I've had great experiences in 5 countries so far!
I am the WEIRDEST when it comes to #5. Like hello? Rented houses, condos, even hotels have drawers for you to put your stuff it. I find it way easier to find all my stuff and keep it organized if I actually unpack. I haven't tried airbnb yet, but my dad has and had a good experience. Keeping these things in mind for my next big trip 🙂
I get so mad when my brother just wants to watch TV!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
The chain restaurants and the social media are huge for me! I find that I spend a lot less time on social media when I'm travelling – I'd rather be present in the moment.
Alessandra | blog.pumpup.com
Such a fun twist on a travel/vacation post. I love that you use AirBnB, that's always interested me so much. Thanks for sharing. xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
I ALWAYS unpack my clothes while traveling! How else can you create outfits and not look like you rolled out of a suitcase?!?
These are great traveling tips! I actually rarely unpack my clothes unless I am staying for at least a week. This sounds so silly now, and my next vacation I am definitely unpacking! You are so right!!
xo Ashley
I agree with all of these! I love the idea of bringing extra hangers! I need to do that. I'm also always on my phone or on social media and need to learn to enjoy the moment.
xo
Lauren
http://www.thefashionistasdiary.com
Awesome travel list!! Agreed with oversharing on social media- definitely something to watch for! Love the "one picture a day" goal 🙂
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
YES! My family tries not to eat at chains while on vacation either!
Fabulous tips! I agree with eating at local places. They are always a million times better! I love the no arguing/fighting rule. It's not worth it to her angry!
Nicole // chronicling home
I agree with you! When I'm on vacation, I refuse to sit around (unless I'm at a spa or other relaxing activity). I refuse chain restaurants, and I try to AirBnB whenever I can!
Cat
http://classmeetscouture.com
Really loving all of these, but especially AirBnB – it was a lifesaver in Europe this summer!
xx, Mikkaela
The Southwestern Prepster
#3 and #7 I can definitely agree with you on! It's good to live in the moment and have a plan while doing it!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
I've never had ANY issues whatsoever. I always read the reviews to make sure I know what I'm getting in to. I'm super picky when it comes to where I stay, but AirBnB has something for everyone!
I honestly only post maybe 2 pictures max while I'm on vacation! I need the time to relax!
with southern grace,
lindsey
http://www.withsoutherngrace.blogspot.com
This is a great list! I haven't travelled in what feels like forever! I'll have to come back to this when I plan my next trip!
xx. Brittany | Southern Soul
I totally agree with all of your points! Especially trying new restaurants and taking less pictures – and enjoying more.
I refuse to eat at chain restaurants while traveling, unless it's a chain specific to the area! I stayed in an Air BnB for the first time this summer, and I loved it!
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
These are really great tips! My boyfriend and I are planning a vacation over winter break so I really need to keep these in mind. I love #10 because my bf and I love going out to eat. I always try to make it a rule to try somewhere new! I've been hearing a lot about the AirBnB's so I'd love to start looking into those too!
Kayla | kaylablogs.com
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